Abstract: A new ionization source named Surface Activated Chemical Ionization (SACI) has been discovered and used to improve the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer. According to this invention the ionization chamber of a mass spectrometer is heated and contains a physical new surface to improve the ionization process. The analyte neutral molecules that are present in gas phase are ionized on this surface. The surface can be made of various materials and may also chemically modified so to bind different molecules. This new ionization source is able to generate ions with high molecular weight and low charge, an essential new key feature of the invention so to improve sensitivity and reduce noise. The new device can be especially used for the analysis of proteins, peptides and other macromolecules. The new invention overcomes some of the well known and critical limitations of the Electrospray (ESI) and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric techniques.

Abstract: An endomedullary nail for the treatment of proximal femur fractures, comprising an elongate body (12) having a proximal portion (14) and a distal portion (16). The proximal portion (14) has a first and a second hole (20, 21) for a respective cephalic screw (22, 23, 24, 25), each having a transversal axis to the axis of the proximal portion (14). The first hole (20) is split into two passages each having a respective axis (A, B) with a predetermined angle relationship with respect to the axis (C) of the second hole (21). The passages (30, 31) are arranged to be selectively engaged by a respective cephalic screw (22, 24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of axial unilateral external splint device for stabilizing bone fractures, comprising an extendible rod-like middle body (2) and oppositely located bone screw clamps (5, 6) which are articulated to respective ends (3, 4) of the rod-like middle body (2) by means of ball joints. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint (16) is mounted to each clamp (5, 6), within a main body (20) with which a bone screw clamping arrangement (25, 26, 21, 22, 23) is associated or co-operates. Also provided are ancillary members (30) adapted for removable association with the end of each clamp (5, 6) to allow each clamp to be more suitable for use, depending on the different operative installation conditions of the fixator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel type of an external fixation device having a carrying structure (1; 40) of interconnected elements (2, 5, 6) comprising an extendible central body (2), and clamps (5, 6) for bone screws respectively articulated on opposed ends (3, 4) of the central body (2), said central body comprising two parts (8, 9) telescoping slidable one on the other, each of said parts (8, 9) including a first portion (8a; 9a) of elongate shape formed integrally with a second end portion (8b; 9b) of substantially cylindrical shape, said first portions (8a, 9a) of the parts (8, 9) being slidably coupled to each other by means of a driving groove (7) formed longitudinally in one the first portion (8a) and a corresponding slide (7a) formed longitudinally in the other first portion (9a) and means being provided in said parts (8, 9) for stopping their sliding movement characterized in that it further comprises at least one plate (27; 41; 42; 43; 60) having predetermined contour shape and thickness, at least

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw, particularly for use with external splints in fracture stabilization, comprising an elongate cylindrical body (2) of predetermined length and diameter tapering into a threaded end portion (5) which terminates with a tip (6), and an opposite screw-handling end (3). The screw-handling end (3) has substantially the same diameter as that of the elongate cylindrical body (2) and comprises a flat (7) extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical body over the main part of the cylinder body portion unoccupied by the thread. In a further embodiment, the screw-handling end (3) is formed with a plurality of flats (8) extending parallel to the axis of the cylinder body (2) at predetermined spacings. These flats extend over the main part of the cylindrical body portion unoccupied by the threadway and alternate with lands (9).

Abstract: The present invention includes a fixation device for treatment of orthopedic indications. The device preferably includes a first portion and a second portion which may be incrementally and independently articulated relative to each other to promote healing of an orthopedic indication. One or more worm gear assemblies may be used to incrementally adjust articulation of the first portion and the second portion relative to each other.

Abstract: Strapping head, comprising three wheels for driving the strap, i.e. an insertion wheel, a recovery wheel and a tensioning wheel, as well as a pressure roller associated with each of the drive wheels, and elements for activating and deactivating the driving of the wheels. According to the invention, the tensioning wheel (6) is made to rotate by a movement cam (7), through an angle of rotation “a” corresponding to an arc with a length equal to the maximum tensioning travelling distance of the strap, and the strap is driven by the tensioning wheel (6) in co-operation with a pressure roller (6a) which is displaceable so as to bear with pressure against the strap and the tensioning roller (6), with a predetermined delay with respect to the start of the tensioning roller (6). A single actuating motor operates a single drive belt (C) for driving all the moving parts of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of axial unilateral external splint device for stabilizing bone fractures, comprising an extendible rod-like middle body (2) and oppositely located bone screw clamps (5, 6) which are articulated to respective ends (3, 4) of the rod-like middle body (2) by means of ball joints. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint (16) is mounted to each clamp (5, 6), within a main body (20) with which a bone screw clamping arrangement (25, 26, 21, 22, 23) is associated or co-operates. Also provided are ancillary members (30) adapted for removable association with the end of each clamp (5, 6) to allow each clamp to be more suitable for use, depending on the different operative installation conditions of the fixator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw, particularly for use with external splints in fracture stabilization, comprising an elongate cylindrical body (2) of predetermined length and diameter tapering into a threaded end portion (5) which terminates with a tip (6), and an opposite screw-handling end (3). The screw-handling end (3) has substantially the same diameter as that of the elongate cylindrical body (2) and comprises a flat (7) extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical body over the main part of the cylinder body portion unoccupied by the thread. In a further embodiment, the screw-handling end (3) is formed with a plurality of flats (8) extending parallel to the axis of the cylinder body (2) at predetermined spacings. These flats extend over the main part of the cylindrical body portion unoccupied by the threadway and alternate with lands (9).

Abstract: Analyzers determine the concentration of a test substance by measuring the change of pH in a sample liquid after reaction of the test substance with a reactant. The analyzers have a tube connected between first and second microcapillary pH electrodes. In a first embodiment, the tube functions as a reaction chamber by having a reactant immobilized on a wall of the tubing or confined within the tubing. In a second embodiment, the reactant and test substance are mixed upstream relative to the first and second microcapillary pH electrodes, with the tubing serving as a delay circuit for a kinetic measurement. Output signals of the microcapillary flow-through electrodes are used to determine a change in pH, the change in pH being indicative of the concentration of the test substance.

Abstract: A pump driven by an electric motor includes a stator, a rotor cooperating with the stator, a rotating drive-shaft associated to the rotor, a hermetically sealed chamber, and a disk wheel within the sealed chamber and joined to the drive-shaft. The sealed chamber is sealed by a first ring gasket around the drive-shaft and in the sealed chamber and a second ring gasket fixed to the drive-shaft and against the first ring gasket. The first and second ring gaskets are pressure coupled to each other. At start-up of the motor, the rotor or the stator is allowed to turn freely for a certain initial arc without torque being applied to the coupling so that inertia can be accumulated to overcome resistance of the coupling when the torque is subsequently applied to the coupling.

Abstract: Machine for packaging paper pockets or bags containing substances used in infused beverages comprising a plurality of cup or pan-like devices, having a central depression, on which bears a first or lower paper ribbon or web receiving measures or doses or said substance, e.g. in powdered form, metering means to supply said measures to said paper ribbon, tamping means to tamp said substance and means to apply and seal a second paper ribbon on said first paper ribbon closing said substance measures in pockets or bags so-formed.

Abstract: Equilibrator device for use in determination of the acid-base status, the oxygen dissociation curve of blood and other properties of physiological interest. The device comprises, within a confined and thermostatically controlled environment, a cuvette for accommodating a sample of blood or other liquid to be equilibrated with a gas phase, means for controlledly rotating such cuvette and means for promoting passage of a gaseous flow firstly through a humidifying ambient and then into the presence of said sample.